Rochefort and the Hotel de la Corderie Royale
From the 17th century to nowadays
The Hôtel of the Corderie Royale (famous ancient rope factory) is situated in one of the most beautiful sites of Rochefort : on the edges of the River Charente along the " Jardins des Retours ". It is implanted in a noble building of the XVII th century which was the naval artillery of the Royal Rope factory created by Colbert on order of Louis XIV …
... The history of Rochefort, at least the modern history of Rochefort, begins during the 17th century :
- 1661: Louis XIV is at the highlight of his glory. But his ascendancy collides with the power of the English and Dutch fleets. So, Louis XIV gets to reign on the ground, he will have to reign on sea as well.
- 1662: “Le Roi Soleil” charges his Minister : Jean Baptist Colbert, to create on the Atlantic Coast a maritime arsenal " worthy of his majesty, of its reign and of the greatness of his royal armies ".
- 1666: After 4 years of researches, Colbert chooses the site of Rochefort .. So, the Arsenal of Rochefort arose from the “Royal will” carried out by Colbert : " the desire of its Majesty is that we made the establishment of Rochefort the biggest, the most beautiful there is in the world. " (Colbert – On 1666)
... Within a series of television report on hotels implanted in original and rich in history places , Jean-Pierre PERNOT makes us discover the “Hotel of the Corderie Royale” and his prestigious past … a Gislaine Laurent, Franck Le GOIC and Patrick DERRE 's report.